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Most Googled Questions: Canberra

Everything you need to know about Australia’s capital city.

Nicknamed “the Bush Capital” after its beautiful surroundings of forest, farmland and nature reserves, Canberra is home to a variety of interesting locations including Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin and the National Gallery.

It’s not hard to comprehend why so many Aussies like to visit their capital city.

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you plan a jaunt to Canberra.

What to know before you go

Is Canberra a state?

No. Canberra is Australia’s capital city, located within the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). However, “Canberra” and “ACT” are often used interchangeably.

Why was Canberra created as the capital of Australia?

After federation in 1901, officials of the country’s two dominant cities, Sydney and Melbourne, could not agree to one or other of the cities becoming the capital. The area that was subsequently named Canberra was selected as a compromise, being in a region that lay between the two cities.

Where is Canberra Airport?

Canberra’s airport is located approximately 5km from the city centre on Brindabella Circuit, which is within Australian Capital Territory.

Does Canberra have an international terminal?

Yes. Direct international links operate to New Zealand and Singapore from Canberra’s international terminal.

Where is Canberra’s railway station?

Canberra’s railway station is located on Wentworth Avenue in the suburb of Kingston, and has links to Sydney.

Questions about safety and health

Where does Canberra’s water come from?

Canberra sources its water from a series of dams. Three of the four dams it utilises are located on the Cotter River, and the fourth is on the Queanbeyan River.

Canberra also sources water from Tantangara reservoir through a transfer agreement involving the purchase of water.

Getting around and things to do

Where is Canberra Zoo?

Canberra is home to The National Zoo & Aquarium. It features a 1 million-litre aquarium with an underwater viewing tunnel, as well as exhibits including bears, lions and leopards. The zoo is open every day from 9:30am to 5pm, and is located at Scrivener Dam, Yarralumla.

Does Canberra have a lagoon?

Canberra is home to the beautiful artificial Lake Burley Griffin, but, it does not have a lagoon. Rowes Lagoon can be found approximately 60km north-east of Canberra.

Does Canberra have Uber?

Uber is widely available throughout Canberra. Options include UberX and UberX ASSIST. The cost is $2.35 for a basic fare, and an additional $1.35 per km thereafter. The minimum fare is $8.

When is Canberra’s flower festival?

Canberra’s flower festival, Floriade, is one of the country’s biggest spring celebrations, showcasing 1 million flowers in bloom. In 2017 the festival commences on Saturday 16 September and runs through to Sunday 15 October. It is held in Commonwealth Park.

How far is it between Canberra and Melbourne?

The journey between Canberra and Melbourne takes approximately 6 hours 40 minutes by road, covering a distance of about 662km.

If you prefer a faster trip, it takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to go by plane.

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